Dental Fluorosis: Causes, Treatments & Prevention

Below is an excerpt from an article found on crest.com

Dental flourosis (pronounced “floo-roh-sis”) is a common condition that can affect the appearance of children’s teeth due to the hypocalcification of tooth enamel. What is hypocalcification? It’s merely the scientific term for having less than normal amounts of calcification in the teeth, leading to spots of softer enamel and discoloration.

Most cases of fluorosis are mild and do not affect tooth function or cause pain, though in rare severe cases the enamel itself is affected with pitting and brown spots that aren’t as easily treated. Adults aren’t affected by fluorosis, but if you suspect that your child may have a severe form of fluorosis, see a dentist as soon as possible.

What causes Dental Fluorosis?

Sometimes called mottled enamel or enamel fluorosis, dental fluorosis occurs due to the sustained overconsumption of fluoride when the enamel layers of permanent teeth are being formed, even before they’re visible. This can happen before the age of 8 when permanent teeth come in, or around the ages of 1-2 when baby teeth come in.

Is fluoride bad? No, the CDC supports the use of fluoride as an important way to prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Fluoride is safe, but should only be consumed in proper amounts. That’s why it’s beneficial for parents to monitor their children’s brushing habits during the stages of tooth formation, to assure they aren’t accidentally ingesting large amounts of toothpaste or mouthwash.

Dental Fluorosis Symptoms

Mild forms of dental fluorosis can result in discoloration of teeth, usually appearing as white lace-like marks on the surface of teeth. More severe forms of dental fluorosis have larger areas of discoloration and, in rare severe cases, rough pits or pock-like marks on the enamel surface.

How to Prevent Dental Fluorosis

Infants can contract dental fluorosis due to the fluoride that is found in water (usually ingested when mixed with infant formula) or due to ingesting fluoride toothpaste. For kids under 2, breast feeding is a great alternative to formula and brushing can be done with a small, soft-bristled brush and plain water to limit fluoride intake.

For older children, remember to only apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and monitor their brushing to help them remember to spit toothpaste out after use.

Most cases of fluorosis are cosmetic and need no form of treatment. If the appearance of the teeth is seen as a problem, teeth whitening treatments can help to resolve visibly white spots. For more severe cases, consult your child’s dentist for the best treatment options.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Tooth Anatomy: Know The Parts Of Your Teeth

Have you ever wondered what makes up a tooth? Each part of a tooth has unique functions and properties. Aetna's Simple Steps to Better Dental Health lists major parts of tooth anatomy, including enamel, dentin, cementum, root(s) and the root canal chamber(s) inside the tooth. Damaged teeth, especially teeth with cracked or eroded enamel, are very susceptible to cavities. Advanced gum disease, another oral health condition that threatens tooth health, attacks the bone of the teeth and may cause tooth loss. Understanding the function of each part of a tooth and the steps required to keep teeth healthy with home care and regular checkups are important components of oral health education for you and your family.

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is a protective barrier that surrounds the visible part of the tooth. It is composed of strong minerals, including calcium phosphate. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and healthy enamel is resistant to cavity-causing bacteria. Because of its mineral composition, tooth enamel is translucent. Fortunately, enamel can be strengthened. Fluoride, a common mineral, helps replenish deficits in tooth enamel. Parents can help replenish enamel at home with Colgate® toothpastes that contain fluoride. Dentists also offer special fluoride treatments. These are commonly administered to children to help keep their teeth strong and free from cavities.

Dentin

Dentin is found underneath the enamel surface of the tooth and underneath the cementum that forms along a tooth's roots. Made of living cellular material and tissue, dentin is what makes up the majority of a tooth's structure. Dentin is a bone-like substance that contains microscopic tubules. Unlike enamel, exposed dentin is highly susceptible to the bacteria that cause dental cavities and can cause tooth sensitivity.

Cementum

Cementum is a coating that surrounds the roots of teeth and is similar to enamel, but softer. Cementum assists with root stability by attaching to the fibers that anchor the tooth in the jawbone.

Roots

Much as a tree's roots help anchor it in the ground, a tooth's roots anchor it in the jawbone. This allows teeth to withstand the force of biting and chewing food on a daily basis. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, one major threat to the health of a tooth's roots is periodontal disease. This oral care disease is caused by bacteria in the dental plaque invading the gum tissue and supporting bone, thus leading to destruction of the bone holding the tooth or teeth in place. Tooth roots are integral to maintaining dental health. Even children can develop gum disease. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene practices — including thorough flossing and brushing — is an easy way to keep mouths healthy with home care. Regular dental cleanings for you and your family will also combat tartar and, ultimately, gum disease.

Root and Pulp Canals

Located inside the tooth in a hollow chamber is the root or pulp canal. A tooth may have one root and many premolar and molar teeth may contain two or three roots. It houses cellular material including pulp and the tooth's roots. This area of the tooth is extremely sensitive and is responsible for providing the blood flow and nutrients that are necessary to keep teeth alive. When this area is damaged or infected by extensive decay and trauma, root canal treatment is often necessary to save a tooth from extraction.

Learning about the basics of tooth anatomy will help you understand how oral health conditions form so that you can teach your children healthy dental habits. Explaining the unique biological makeup of teeth to your kids can also be a fun and productive way to introduce biological concepts in an easy-to-understand format.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is very hard but...
That doesn't mean you can't break it.

Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.

It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.

Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth."

These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids.

As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200
SolaceDental.com

Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?

What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.

Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Solace Dental
Bill Skinner, DDS
14381 Hickman Rd.
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 412-4200

SolaceDental.com